Welcome
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hether supplying basic everyday essentials, complicated training aids or high-end competition leatherwear, most equestrian retailers stock tack of some description. This issue of Trade Talk will help you make the decisions on the best type of tack for your store.
Tack might be a very traditional term, but this is an area of the market that is constantly changing as research and development brings new ideas to the fore. Leading competition riders from across the disciplines work with manufacturers and saddle fitters to produce and test new equipment and designs, and specialist organisations such as the Society of Master Saddlers and Saddle Research Trust collect valuable scientific data to advance our knowledge of how certain pieces of tack perform. Keeping your customers aware of the latest theories and products – whether by information pinned on a notice board, an attractive new display or simply by word of mouth. It might just be the thing that persuades the customer to change or update their existing equipment. Be aware also of any clinics or studies being carried out in your local area, and make the most of it! Displaying tack correctly is as ever of crucial importance. It should be easy for the customer to see examples of the tack you stock, and be on hand with advice on what type of equipment might suit their particular horse and chosen discipline. With tack perhaps more than anything else, you get what you pay for, and customers should try to purchase the very highest quality tack they can afford. It is worth it in the long run. Trade Talk provides some insight into the many aspects of tack, and profiles some of the most renowned manufacturers of equipment for the horse, to enable you to plan your sales.
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Contents
4
Saddles - then and now
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Lunging and training aids
8
Leather processing
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Abbey England Aerborn UK Ltd
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EquiAmi Ltd Griffin NuuMed Ltd
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PolyPads and Libbys Tagg Equestrian
12 Bridle matters 14
Market leaders in design
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Treeless saddles
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Directory
EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY
Contact us T: +44 (0)1953 850678 F: +44 (0)1953 851936 E: enquiries@tradetalkonline.co.uk
DisclaimeR
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this directory is both accurate and up-to-date, Trade Talk accepts no liability to any party for loss or damage incurred by reliance on the information contained in this publication or through omission or errors, howsoever caused.
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Saddles – then and now all others involved in equine wellbeing – regard as the two most important features of all: large bearing surfaces and freedom from pressure along the spine. In the years between then and now the efficacy of saddle design has varied enormously. Today we take for granted that considerations for the welfare, safety and performance of horse and rider are implicit in saddle design, manufacture and fitting. Throughout the centuries – when horses were the main means of transport – this was far from so. Indeed, some of the classical civilisations – even those renowned for their contributions to horsemanship – failed to pay meaningful attention to the importance of equipping horses with well fitting saddles. The comfort of the rider was all – and over many generations, little account was taken of what today we regard as the basic principles of designing, making and fitting a saddle.
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Different demands
The demands made on horses by the modern equestrian disciplines and sports are different from those that were made on army horses Today, By Pat Crawford for right up to the first quarter of the twentieth considerations the Society of Master century. It may be apocryphal, but the for welfare, safety Saddlers and performance are Duke of Wellington is reported to have Saddles aren’t a recent ridden Copenhagen – standing a fraction implicit in saddle invention – they have been over 15 hands – for 39 hours between 16th design in existence for thousands of and 18th June at the Battle of Waterloo. The years. One of the fascinating facts day after the battle concluded, Copenhagen in their history relates to the ‘design’ of was ridden to Brussels where, apparently, he the earliest known saddles. ‘Design’ in parenthesis still had sufficient energy to break away from his because, of course, the Scythians didn’t sit around groom and gallop around the town. No doubt he discussing the conformation of their horses and was seeking a viable escape route! how to produce a saddle that mitigated unwanted The standard of horsemanship exhibited in the interference. Presumably it is by chance that their armies of the past varied – it was sometimes saddles employed what today’s saddle-makers, exemplary – but more often, it was very bad. saddle fitters, physiotherapists, equine vets – and During the Boer War, 326,000 horses were lost, a 4
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focus on... Tack & Equipment tiny minority of them as a result of enemy action. The remainder apparently had to be shot on compassionate grounds – mostly as a result of the hideous state of their backs. After that, things improved in the British army, and went on improving. Right up to the time tanks replaced the cavalry, greater attention was given to riding standards. However, the German and French armies continued to lose horses on a horrific scale up to the time of the First World War. This appalling record clearly demonstrates the influence exerted by the standard of riding, seriously inadequate saddles and poor horse management.
Modern advances Things have moved on since then – a lot. Most influential of all, the vast majority of today’s riders are passionate about the welfare of their horses and will spend a lot of time, effort and money in relation to their general management. Saddle design, boosted by considerable research and development, has come a very long way, and saddle fitting has been revolutionised: - Different materials continue to be investigated. Huge advances have occurred in the production of synthetic saddles and accessories, and whereas all trees were traditionally made of wood and steel – and many still are – today far more are produced from strong synthetic materials. - Adjustable trees that enable the width fitting to be altered are valuable additions – arguably with one big stumbling block; riders’ assumptions that they are able to make adequate adjustments to the width themselves. Most riders – very sensibly – elect to use the services of an SMS qualified saddle fitter. - Adjustable gullet plates have also made a very
useful addition to saddle design – but again - few riders are able to judge which plate to select. Nor are they able to evaluate, and take into account, the way the overall fit will be influenced. - A few years ago, manufacturers put a great deal of time into researching airfilled panels. These saddles now have a considerable following, especially those that can be adjusted in accordance with the horse’s changing shape. - Traditional flocking materials – wool and felt – have been largely overtaken by wool/ synthetic mixes or synthetics in entirety. - Little more than a couple of generations ago, the choice of saddles was very limited – hunting, polo, general purpose. Today’s riders have the choice of a multiplicity of designs, and elite riders continue to work with saddle makers and fitters to produce saddles with innovations. - Some four years ago, the SMS and the British Equestrian Federation invested in a Pliance system which monitors the dynamic interaction between horse, saddle and rider and the pressure distribution under the saddle. The system is a valuable tool and is being used by saddle makers and fitters. Information about the membership criteria of the Society of Master saddlers can be obtained on the website www.mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephone (01449) 711642.
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Lunging and training aids The term ‘tack’ doesn’t just encompass the traditional saddle and bridle. Lunging a horse can be a hugely beneficial part of fitness and training, and retailers should at least have the basic equipment to hand plus knowledge of how to operate it.
also allows for greater control, and can be used with side reins to encourage the horse to work in an outline. A roller fastens around the horse in similar fashion to a girth (although not as tightly), and is usually padded on either side of the withers to keep it clear of the spine. It is recommended a saddle pad be worn under the roller when lunging. For customers unsure of which size of roller their horse needs, advise them to measure their horse’s belly first, although it is better to get one that is a little on the large side than too small.
Training aids
Lunging equipment
There are many different types of training aid. Like bits, some are thought to have a more ‘severe’ action than others, but it is in fact the rider’s A lunge hands that determine the amount of force or cavesson should be used instead of a pressure that is applied. Customers should be traditional headcollar, encouraged to seek professional advice before which is likely to fitting one of these aids for the first time. Below slide around are some of the more common types:
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According to Dr Hilary Bentley of EquiAmi: “Whilst no figures are available in terms of numbers of people lunging it is noted that more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of helping the horse to work through its back to improve topline, strength and balance and prevent problems. The increased use of manèges and schools has facilitated an upsurge in both flatwork and groundwork of all types for professional, competition and leisure riders alike.” The basic lunging equipment necessary to stock includes lunge cavessons, lunge lines, side reins, lunge whips and rollers, and some manufacturers sell lunging sets to help get people started. Advise that a cavesson should be used instead of a traditional headcollar, which is likely to slide around, or a bridle, as attaching the reins to the bit can cause the horse to tilt its head. The cavesson 6
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Chambon The chambon clips on to the top of the snaffle ring, passes through rings near the ears and is fastened to the girth like a martingale. The horse is therefore encouraged not to carry its head too high, as otherwise pressure is applied to the poll. It also helps to relax the horse and enable it to move more freely.
De Gogue The De Gogue applies pressure to the poll, mouth and tongue to encourage a horse to work in the correct outline and use its muscles correctly. It also helps relieve tension from the head and neck.
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focus on... Tack & Equipment It has two settings – one for lunging and one for riding. De Gogue reins should be used for riding, which also have different settings.
stage before we considered it was good enough functionally, aesthetically and in performance for retail.
Market Harborough
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Similar to a running martingale, the Market Harborough exerts pressure on the bit and corners of the mouth if the horse raises its head too high. It can be used for improving acceptance of contact, creating a rounder online, improving suppleness and developing top line. The Market Harborough should only be used in with a snaffle bit.
Trade Talk spoke to Dr Hilary Bentley to find out more about the development of the EquiAmi lunging aid and how it can benefit horses during training.
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How did the EquiAmi lunging training aid come about, and what development processes did you go through before it hit the shelves?
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What is the ideal scenario for lunging in terms of how the horse works, and how do training aids such as the EquiAmi help in this repect?
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Lunging a horse is like an athlete doing a workout in the gym. You are trying to develop specific muscle groups that will then enhance its athletic performance whatever the discipline. The EquiAmi lunging aid encourages the horse to step under from behind and swing through its back whilst at the same time it invites a soft, equal contact and lifting of the shoulders, developing balance, self-carriage and improving the paces and topline. The EquiAmi lunging aid is especially beneficial to horses that dislike restriction and restraint and those who try to lean, as it discourages this. It has been used on horses of all ages and types with great success, including rehabilitation cases, ex-racehorses and competition horses.
Q
The EquiAmi lunging aid was developed Do you have any top sales or specifically for one lovely display tips for retailers stocking mare who, despite training aids? treatment, couldn’t be persuaded to use her It is always beneficial if staff previously painful back. have first hand experience She wouldn’t have liked of using the products so they Image courtesy of EquiAmi the restriction of other can offer help and advice. Many aids and could lean on most of our retailers use one of our other things. I endeavoured to aids themselves so they are very make something that moved with knowledgeable when it comes to advising her and prevented leaning. customers and explaining the simplicity and Initially baler twine was used but when I realised benefits of the aid. It is also useful to have a wide I had made something really good, we enlisted range of lunging equipment, as many customers the help of a Walsall saddler to make prototypes require the whole kit: roller, cavesson, lunge rein, in better materials. The prototypes went through lunge whip and training aid. Brushing boots and several steps then field trials at busy yards and gloves are also recommended so should be therapy centres, followed by a final refining positioned prominently.
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Leather processing
Despite the development of synthetic tack, leather is still the most common and popular material used. Trade Talk looks at how this remarkable natural substance can be turned into tack. Leather is a living substance with qualities that cannot be reproduced in synthetic materials, making it irreplaceable as a strong, flexible and durable material for equine equipment. The vast majority of the leather used in saddlery is derived from cows, more specifically made from the animal’s hide, so it is of no surprise that, like skin, full grain leather (one of the highest quality and most breathable types of leather available) comprises three layers. The thin surface layer is made up of pores, which are breathable but also allow dirt in and the natural oils in leather to escape – which can make the leather dry and brittle if not replenished. The second layer or ‘corium’ is made up of long, interlocking protein strands that form the leather’s strength. They are also flexible, but under constant friction can break down, causing the leather to soften. The final layer is the ‘rough’, which helps heat and sweat to escape, but like the grain it forms an entry point for dirt. Proper care of leather tack it therefore vital to keep it strong, supple and useable, but how is leather made in the first place? There is a long line of processes that are required to transform the natural hide into usable leather. Tanning helps to prevent the hide from rotting and seals and preserves the leather, which if looked after will last for decades.
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Tanning process
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The hides are first washed in water. These clean hides are then soaked in a solution of limewater, which loosens hair so that it can easily be removed. The hides are then immersed in ‘liquors’ (a solution of tannic acid made from vegetable matter such as oak bark) of varying strengths so that the leather is tanned right through. An alternative to vegetable tanning is chrome tanning, using a basic chromium sulfate. Chrome-tanned leather tends to be softer and more flexible, and takes less time to produce. The hides then go through the currying (dressing) process. This involves the tanned hides being cleansed in a revolving drum of acid and then dried. The leather is then finished with an application of oils – usually from marine sources – and tallows (animal fat).
What to look for in a good piece of leather
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Good substance (thickness) Flesh side (inside) is smooth with no rough or loose fibres Leather should feel slightly greasy, not dry It should be firm to touch When bent, neither side should show bubbles on the skin
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Abbey England Founded in 1982, Abbey England has been built on honest, reliable and rapid service. Supplying high quality British made materials and tools, Abbey is one of the market leaders amongst equestrian wholesale suppliers. Not content with just supplying saddlers, harness and rug makers, Abbey also supplies specialist metal work for the fashion, motor and refrigeration markets. Abbey also manufactures quality bits to meet demand in the UK and overseas. The vast range includes snaffles, gags, pelhams, double bridles, driving bits, hackamores, sweet irons and a variety of rubber and vulcanite bits. Abbey currently exports to more than 52 different countries, with export customers looking to Abbey to provide the traditional qualities the company offers. In providing only the best quality, British made products it has gained a reputation for being reliable and niche. If you want something that is hard to find – call Abbey England and it will be able to help! The extensive catalogue is available by post or online.
CONTACTS: Address: Abbey England, Abbey House, Haig Road, Parkgate Industrial Estate, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 8DX Tel: +44(0)1565 650343 Email: sales@abbeyengland.com www.abbeyengland.com, www.ridingbitz.com
Aerborn UK Ltd Aerolite is a breathable, lightweight and more technically advanced than the run of the mill gel or foam pad. The nonabsorbing, inner pressure relieving material is ideal for a horse with sensitive backs, cold backed, or to aid the fit of a saddle. Its pressure relieving, impact and friction absorbing properties help to elevate bruising, saddle sores and dissipates the weight and pressure distribution under the saddle without reducing saddle stability. Using a high-grade cotton outer means your customers can machine wash their Aerolite time and time again whilst remaining looking as good as new! This versatile relief pad with additional removable shims in both the front and the rear aimed at adjusting the balance and fit of the saddle. Ideal for use on young developing or rehabilitating horses, large yards where one saddle would be used on numerous horses or for just general condition change through the seasons. Offering all the advantages of an Aerolite relief pad, this version has the added bonus! Available in Large Combi-Riser to fit 17”+ saddle trees and Small Combi-Riser designed to fit up 16 1/2” saddle trees. All models are in black.
CONTACTS: Address: Units 4 Lindum Business Park, Station Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 3QX Tel: +44 (0)1522 694439 Email: info@aerborn.co.uk www.aerborn.co.uk www.tradetalkonline.co.uk
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EquiAmi Ltd Apart from promoting engagement, developing top line and enabling a horse to work through its back in balance and self-carriage, EquiAmi training aids are very simple to fit, use and adjust. The EquiAmi lunging aid can be fitted to a horse prepared for lunging in under two minutes; saving time for professionals and simplifying lunging for novices. The aids self-centre needing no adjustment for rein changes. The horse is always working in a soft, equal contact and the operator doesn’t need to adjust for bend. The kit comes in a hessian bag with illustrated booklet and DVD showing how to fit and use these novel and brilliant aids EquiAmi aids are used and endorsed by top riders, trainers and therapists for groundwork and rehabilitation and have full UK & US patents therefore not a copy of anything else. Lunging, riding and Combi aids now available with good margins, support and service.
CONTACTS: Address: The Little Down, Crumps Brook, Hopton Wafers, Kidderminster, Worcs DY14 0ET Tel: +44 (0)1584 891049 Fax: +44 (0)1584 890121 Email: enquiries@equiami.com www.equiami.com
Griffin NuuMed Ltd All Griffin NuuMed’s 40 plus styles of saddlepads and numnahs are made in its factory in Somerset by a skilled team of cutters, machinists and finishers. As a result, the company knows the quality, consistency and longevity of NuuMed products is unrivalled – and the best of British numnahs will be on show at the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics when NuuMed saddlepads will be worn by all our equestrian teams. The company puts customer service at the top of its agenda and prides itself on its service to retailers in terms of trying to ensure all goods are delivered on time, offering advice on which products to stock and supporting the NuuMed brand through marketing activity. Although best known for its ranges of saddlepads made using British wool, the company also produces a very popular anti-slip range, the ProPad selection, various specialist pads and a wide choice of a accessories.
CONTACTS: Address: Pipers Farm, Ashcott, Somerset TA7 9QN Tel: +44 (0)1458 210324 Fax: +44 (0)1458 210396 Email: info@nuumed.com www.nuumed.com 10
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PolyPads and Libbys When it comes to first-class British manufacturing PolyPads is one of the best-known names in the business. PolyPads’ innovative range of equestrian saddle pads, leg protectors and pet beds are designed and manufactured exclusively in the UK, using the highest quality materials available. PolyPads products not only look good but are made to last far longer than imported budget brands and the brand is one of the most recognisable in the industry. PolyPads is able to fulfil fluctuating requirements, market trends, and keep tight quality control by manufacturing only on-site in Norfolk. PolyPads stocks a wide range of colours, and can deal easily with non-standard sizing requests and custom embroidery within the range. This flexibility extends to the recently acquired Libbys range of top quality, easy care synthetic equine tack, equipment and dog leads. Made in the same Norfolk factory from high quality materials, the Libbys range includes webbing bridles, martingales and schooling aids as well as the BETA Innovation Award-winning RS-tor safety aid.
CONTACTS: Address: 1 Kelvin Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3RR Tel: +44 (0)1842 752020 Email: enquiries@polypads.co.uk www.polypads.co.uk www.libbys-tack.com
Tagg Equestrian Funnell Cross Country Boots Developed with leading event rider Pippa Funnell, the cross country boots offer complete, fulllength protection for both the front and hind legs, using a quality leather outer and compressed neoprene lining. They have an innovative strapping system which is quick and easy to secure to the leg, using no elastic, preventing stretching and slippage when wet. Funnell Open Front Tendon and Fetlock Boots Developed with both William and Pippa Funnell, the tendon boots offer substantial protection for any jumping discipline. The quality leather outer is reinforced at the fetlock and the compressed neoprene lining has moulded tendon support. The fastening is completely secure with a full-length hook and loop fastening. The Fetlock boots, also in quality leather, have additional outer protection with a compressed neoprene outer. The sturdy leather fastening strap secures the boots safely to prevent any rotation. The entire range is hardwearing and easy to clean, built to last and available in Havana in full size only.
CONTACTS: Address: Home Farm Barn, Winkburn, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 8PQ Tel: +44 (0)1636 636135 Fax: +44 (0)1636 636643 Email: sales@taggequestrian.co.uk www.taggequestrian.co.uk www.tradetalkonline.co.uk
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Bridle matters The bridle is an important tool of communication and control, and can also help to show off a horse’s conformation to greater effect. Trade Talk looks at bridle design and some of the various styles available. Bridles come in three main sizes - pony, cob and full. However, these sizes are not necessarily the same between manufacturers, and some horses may need certain parts of the bridle in a larger size than others. Recommend customers measure their horse’s head prior to purchase, and have some sizing charts to hand to help them choose what they need. In terms of style, raised leather bridles with 12
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stitching look smart on most horses – usually in black for dressage and brown for jumping. Wider straps are best for larger headed horses, for example those on the hunting field, whilst finer horses such as Arabs are shown off best in a finer bridle. As an alternative to leather, synthetic and nylon webbing bridles are becoming more common – usually available in a greater range of colours, they are generally less expensive, easy to clean and very durable. In fact, nylon is virtually unbreakable – a potential problem if a horse becomes entangled unless the bridle is designed with breaking points. Some synthetic bridles are vinyl covered to give them the appearance of leather. Even if the customer is not wishing to purchase a new bridle in the entirety, it does not necessarily mean that money cannot be made. Nosebands and browbands – particularly browbands – can be great little stand-alone items that allow the customer to customise the look of their bridle relatively inexpensively. They also can be used to improve a horse’s appearance – for example, a white browband attracts the eye to a horse with no
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focus on... Tack & Equipment white markings and a wide noseband breaks up the large white area on a horse with a wide blaze.
Nosebands The cavesson is the most simple style of noseband, and is the only style that should be used with a double bridle, unless a crank (also known as a cinchback) noseband is used instead. The crank is similar to a cavesson, but designed to fasten more tightly to prevent a horse from crossing its jaw – popular with dressage riders or for use on horses unable to wear nosebands that fasten below the bit. The latter styles of noseband include the drop, flash and Grakle. Drop nosebands have fallen out of fashion with riders of today, mainly as many do not like the appearance it gives to the horse’s face. If fitted to low it can restrict the horse’s breathing. The flash noseband meanwhile remains popular with many riders. The advantage of the flash is that, unlike with a drop noseband, it can be used with a standing martingale. A Grakle noseband stops the horse from opening its mouth or crossing its jaw. It is thought that this design allows the nostrils to better expand during fast work, and so Grakle nosebands are often seen on eventers or racehorses (they are not allowed for dressage). In fact, the Grakle is named after the winner of the 1931 Grand National, which is when this style suddenly rose to prominence. Other styles include the unusual looking Kineton – which has a more severe action for harder pullers. It does not have a chin strap but instead has two metal loops that sit under the bit rings. This should only be used in the hands of more mild and experienced riders.
Browbands The function of the browband simply to keep the bridle from sliding backwards. It is also the part of
the bridle that riders can ‘customise’ – although browband fashion is always something that splits opinion! Some people prefer plain, raised or stitched leather, others velvet coloured ribbon, and others favour more embellished styles. Browbands with ‘bling’ have risen to popularity over recent years, and are available decorated with beads, stones or even Swarovski crystals. Even the dressage superstar Totilas has been seen sporting a sparkling browband, fuelling the trend further, and these are particularly popular with dressage riders. Waved – again as worn by Totilas – or v-shaped browbands have also gained in popularity and are designed to accentuate head carriage. It’s best to stock a range of browband styles to take individual taste into account, but don’t go overboard – few happy hackers will be willing to shell out the £40.00 plus for a luxury diamond browband, so if this is your main client base, stick to more simple styles.
Bitless bridles Certain horses object to being, or are unable to be ridden in a traditional bitted bridle. Some people also extol the more natural, ‘kinder’ element of using a bitless bridle, although they are not to be recommended for inexperienced riders or those with a heavy hand. Bitless bridles are designed to control the horse using pressure on the poll, cheek and nose, and manufacturers purport they encourage a more natural position of the head and neck and help the horse to be less heavy on the forehand. These bridles may also be good for horses that fight the bit, headshakers and those that constantly get their tongue over the bit, although they are not necessarily a quick-fix solution. The customer should be reminded that there might be other issues – such as dental problems – that are behind such behaviour.
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Market leaders in design Griffin NuuMed is one of those increasingly rare companies – a UK manufacturer as well as world leader in the design, development and production of numnahs and saddlepads, and one that specialises in using natural fabrics as far as possible. As managing director Rosie Pocock explains, the company prides itself on its flexibility, accessibility, accountability and quality control, with all products hand finished and checked before dispatch. Located in the village of Ashcott, Somerset, the NuuMed team is made up of highly skilled cutters, machinists and finishers, many of whom have been with us for years and who actively contribute their ideas on improving and creating products. On the end of the phone are people able to offer advice and assistance on a whole range of queries. The efficient stock control system and production team mean that NuuMed is proud to say that the majority of orders can be completed and sent out within five working days 14
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from the day the order is placed or overnight if the product is in stock. The company keeps the top 400 items in stock and carry increasingly high levels of raw material to ensure any one of the 1800+ SKU’s in their range can be made up to order. Some retailers comment that we offer too much choice, but we are a specialised saddlepad producer selling a ‘little of a lot’ – or relatively small numbers of a wide rage of products – and it is this that makes us very different to companies which mass produce just a few lines.
New designs NuuMed has always been a market leader in the design and development of numnahs and saddlepads, working with saddle fitters, equine physiotherapists, rider and owners to create products which work effectively with a whole range of saddles. NuuMed was the first company to develop HiWither numnahs and saddlepads – a design unique to NuuMed, which follow the contours of a horse’s back. Many have copied the concept, but NuuMed’s original design remains one of the best fitting. Over the years we have designed a range of numnahs and saddlepads to fit most saddles, which means that whatever your customer’s area of equestrianism – hacking, dressage, eventing, hunting, endurance, racing, and western – there is a NuuMed numnah or saddlepad to suit.
Natural materials Best known for the range of wool lined products, NuuMed is proud to use only top quality British
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focus on... Tack & Equipment wool, which is specially selected, mixed and knitted onto cotton yarn (as opposed to using sheep’s skin). This gives all the benefits of wool and none of the disadvantages of the skin. The cotton yarn backing is easier to look after, doesn’t get heavy when wet, doesn’t disintegrate and has not been through lots of chemical processes to make it usable. Over the years, wool has proven time and time again the benefits it offers a horse. However, when used still on the sheep’s skin, it can be uneven and of differing weights, as naturally the wool grows in varying lengths and thicknesses depending on where the skin is from. For the wool material NuuMed uses, the wool is carefully selected and mixed to be an optimum weight for use in saddlepads. This is then knitted on to the cotton yarn (a process called sliverknit) and then the material is shorn to the length specified by NuuMed. This means that we can make sure that there is a consistent level of thickness and thus protection, which is important to for a horses comfort.
The variety of material used in numnahs and saddlepads is almost as extensive as the different styles now available – confusing not only for the consumer but for the retailer as well. But British wool has stood the test of time and we firmly believe it is still the best material to have next to a horses skin.
Made to measure With such a vast array of saddles on the market, it is not always possible to find a numnah or saddlepad that fits properly, but because NuuMed design and make all products at its Somerset factory, the company is able offer a ‘made to measure’ service – a service NuuMed can offer through retailers or direct to their customers. NuuMed also offers an embroidery service on the range of products, be it initials, a single name or a detailed logo. Examples of embroidery customers include: sponsors, equestrian colleges, school teams, race yards, individual riders, riding clubs, pony clubs, the Mounted Police Divisions, retailers, saddle makers and saddle fitters. We can supply embroidery on single or multiple items and there is no minimum order.
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Treeless saddles Treeless saddles are gaining in popularity, but the thinking behind the development of the treeless concept remains controversial. Trade Talk investigates. Traditionalists argue that a saddle needs an inbuilt tree in order to protect the spine. Advocates of treeless saddles – which instead use pads or panels to cushion the back – say they allow the saddle to flex with horse, giving greater freedom of movement. Others say that no one style is better than the other, and it is simply down to personal preference as to which style of saddle is chosen. Some manufacturers push the advantage that without a tree, the saddle will fit several different horses, and is more likely to fit those with ‘difficult’ conformation, such as high withers or uneven shoulders. However it is important to emphasise that all saddles, whether treeless, part-treed or treed, should always be properly fitted, remembering also that treeless saddles may also mould to the shape of the horse over time. An advantage with many treeless and part-treed saddles though is that they can be adjusted using shimming and/or padding, rather than having to return the saddle for alteration. The fit of the saddle is particularly important in young horses or other horses that change shape on a regular basis due to changing condition or fitness levels. Horse owners should seek advice as soon as they notice any changes, before their horse develops any soreness or telltale patches of white hair.
look less hollowed. Any horse can lift its back in the saddle position about 5cm depending on the engagement of different muscle groups and dorsal ligament. The argument for treeless saddles is that, not being rigid, they are better able to adapt to this changing posture.
Rider balance Another advantage of treeless saddles is that they allow the rider to have closer contact with the horse. However, this means that a treeless saddle may be less suitable for inexperienced, unbalanced or ‘heavy’ riders. Some riders may not be suited also to the wider seat of a treeless saddle compared to that of a traditional model. When buying a treeless saddle, it is important to bear in mind any weight restrictions – some saddles are not suitable for very heavy riders or require extra padding to be used. Various styles are available on the market, with differing designs and features, and thus the customer should try several different makes of treeless saddle in order find the one that they find most comfortable and best suited to their requirements.
Freedom of movement A horse that is ridden on a loose rein with high head carriage will hollow its back. When the horse is ridden correctly on the bit or long and low the angle of the back will change and the spine will 16
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Certain horses may benefit from a treeless saddle. Image from The Saddle Research Trust
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Abbey Saddlery +44 (0)1565 650343 www.abbeysaddlery.co.uk
Flexi-Works +44 (0)1745 222623 www.flexiworksequine.co.uk
About Tack Ltd +44 (0)800 634 7377 www.abouttack.com
Fly Away Ltd +44 (0)1384 877857 www.flyaway.ltd.uk
Aerborn +44 (0)1522 694439 www.aerborn.co.uk
Frank Baines Saddlery Ltd +44 (0)1922 640847 www.frankbaines.com
Albion Saddlemakers Co. Ltd +44 (0)1922 646210 www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk
Gallop Equestrian +44 (0)1902 454771 www.gallopequestrian.com
Aqueos +44 (0)1672 562007 www.aqueos.co.uk
GFS Riding Limited +44 (0)1922 638094 www.gfsriding.co.uk
Black Country Saddles Ltd +44 (0)1543 578 243 www.blackcountrysaddles.co.uk
Griffin Nuumed +44 (0)1458 210324 www.nuumed.com
Chestfields + 44 (0)1227 276129 www.chestfields.com
Horseware Ireland +353 42 9389000 www.horseware.com
Clarendon Equestrian Ltd +44 (0)1825 733361 www.clarendon-equestrian.com
IV Horse Ltd +44 (0)1888 544261 www.4horse.co.uk
Classic Showjumps +44 (0)1617 652010 www.classicshowjumps.com
Jabez Cliff & Co Ltd +44 (0)1922 621676 www.barnsby.com
EquiAmi Ltd +44 (0)1584 891049 www.equiami.com
Jaguar Equestrian +44 (0)1922 612238 www.jaguarequestrian.com
Equigene +44 (0)8452 223344 www.medi-mark.co.uk
Kate Negus Saddlery +44 (0)1249 740590 www.katenegus.com
Equilibrium Products +44 (0)1442 879115 www.EquilibriumProducts.com
Keith Bryan Saddlery Co +44 (0)1922 628325 www.keithbryansaddlery.com
Equine Management +44 (0)1825 840002 www.equineman.com
Kemp Controller + 44 (0)7957 867559 www.kempcontroller.com
Flexalan +44 (0)1829 760397 www.flexalan.com
Kieffer UK +44 (0)1536 742364 www.kieffer.co.uk
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Legacy Equestrian +44 (0))1494 714527 www.legacyequestrian.co.uk
Tagg Equestrian +44 (0)1636 636135 www.taggequestrian.co.uk
LS Sales (Farnam) Ltd +44 (0)1608 683855 www.lesliesutcliffe.com
The English Gaiter Compay. +44 (0)1604 880605 www.english-gaiter.co.uk
Naf +44 (0)800 373106 www.naf-uk.com
The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd +44 (0)1449 711642 www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
Neue Schule +44 (0)8446 644600 www.nsbits.com
Thorowgood Ltd +44 (0)1922 711676 www.thorowgood.com
New Equine Wear +44 (0)1172 303700 www.newequinewear.co.uk
Trelawne Equine +44 (0)8442 578585 www.trelawneequine.co.uk
Novel (pliance) +44 (0)1159 622622 www.novel.de
UK Saddles Ltd 44 (0)1922 615015 www.uksaddlesltd.com
Polypads and Libby’s +44 (0)1842 752020 www.polypads.co.uk
Waldhausen GmbH & Co KG +44 (0)1392 881880 www.waldhausen.com
Prestige Italia +39 0445 490300 www.prestigeitaly.com
Weatherbeeta Ltd +44 (0)1295 226900 www.weatherbeeta.com
Professional’s Choice +1 619 8731100 www.profchoice.com
Westgate EFI Ltd +44 (0)1303 872277 www.wefi.co.uk
Ryder Saddles +44 (0)1922 616578 www.rydersaddles.com
Westropp Horse Boots +44 (0)1476 870489 www.westropphorseboots.co.uk
Sabre Leather Company Limited +44 (0)1922 629925 www.sabreleather.co.uk
Woof Wear Ltd +44 (0)1208 265920 www.woofwear.com
Shires Equestrian Products +44 (0)1568 613600 www.shiresequestrian.com
WOW Saddles (FTE Ltd) +44 (0)1942 681002 www.wowsaddles.com
Snowhill Saddlery Ltd +44 (0)1243 672323 www.snowhilltradesaddlery.co.uk
Chips4Tack +44 (0)1323 460887 www.chips4tack.com
Solution Saddles +44 (0)7738 711099 www.solution-saddles.co.uk
Your Gift Horse Ltd (Leather Therapy) +44 (0)1454 202033 www.yghtrade.com
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